Telephone and Web-Based Cessation Services for the SD Quitline

The South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH), Tobacco Control Program (TCP) is seeking proposals for a statewide SD QuitLine vendor to provide comprehensive tobacco cessation services across South Dakota, with a specific focus on Harding County. The procurement seeks a vendor to deliver telephone and web-based cessation services targeting smoking tobacco, spit tobacco, and e-cigarette/vaping tobacco users. Key deliverables include telephone registration, QuitLine counseling, mailing of Quit Booklets, and email/text messaging support, with the ultimate goals of increasing quit attempts and reducing adult tobacco use statewide. The RFP (Reference #23-0907001-015) requires vendors to provide services for a minimum of 90 hours per week, preferably 7 days a week, with trained behavioral health specialists capable of handling multilingual support. Proposals are due by March 7, 2023, at 5:00 PM CST, with an anticipated award decision and contract negotiation scheduled for May 5, 2023. The initial contract period will run from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024, with potential annual renewals for up to five additional one-year extensions. Vendors must submit a comprehensive cost proposal and budget narrative detailing all service-related expenses.

The RFP does not specify any specific set-aside designations for minority-owned, women-owned, or disadvantaged business enterprises. The current vendor is Avera McKennan Hospital & University, which has been providing services since 2002 and has received high satisfaction ratings from the Tobacco Control Program. While the RFP indicates a preference for bidders located within South Dakota, this is not a strict requirement. The cost proposal template requires detailed pricing for various service components, including database management, telephone services, web-based services, email and text messaging, printed materials, and transition costs. Although specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, vendors must provide comprehensive pricing for intake calls, coaching, fax/web referrals, dual therapy, text messages, and quit guide mailings. The State reserves the right to negotiate the scope of services and compensation with the highest-ranked offeror, suggesting flexibility in the final contract terms and potential funding allocation.